How would one go about preparing for the AP Physics 1 AP exam?

It seems as though this exam is quite difficult to pass, much less get a 5 on.
If you got a 4 or above, what were your studying strategies? Around when did you start preparing, and what textbooks did you use?

My son is taking the class this year and we read through some of the posts on how to study/which books, etc and ultimately purchased 5 steps to a 5 and the Princeton books. He has worked through the Princeton book and is almost through the other and will begin doing some of the practice tests soon. His teacher is out on maternity leave so it is not an ideal situation. Good luck!!